Hello ive just noticed the new gasket i have is slightly smaller on the inlet ports, so trimming it how to do when its one of those perforated metal gaskets?

Do i file it cus i cant see myself cutting it, i just dont want to wreck the gasket.
thanks

Don't touch it
If you try mod it since they are pressed perforated metal it might fall apart

Just ring JTS and buy his big port gaskets

I assume you've got oversize ports

Yea i had a feeling it might.
I dont think they are large ports its only 2mm and only on the right sides of the inlet ports.
I will just leave it.

i hand file will split the gasket, metal and fiber will peel apart. a dremmel spinning at something like 15000rpm would do a neat job though

On my Alfa I used a Foordom tool (like a dremmel with a cable drive). Using a high speed cutter I trimmed the extra gasket that protruded into the passage. I mounted the intake to the head with the gasket in between. With the Alfa the intake is really short and you can reach in from the carb side to do the cutting. Obviously this technique won't work with an A-series.

So it can be done. Maybe someone here can suggest how to do it on our engines.

Yeah any gaskets containing metal I die grind than fan grind to finish up. Only real way and does and awesome job of it too!

I had UNTOLD trouble with manifold gaskets due to larger ports. (Including ported EX ports)
Now I just use High temp red RTV on my headers, and grey 3Bond on the inlets. I resisted using the rtv for ages cos it's such crap, but I've never had a single problem since.